Change your username from your account settings

You can change your Chess.com username by going to your account settings, finding the username field, and entering a new one. The process takes about two minutes and requires you to confirm your password. Chess.com allows one free username change; after that, each additional change costs $9.99.

The username you choose must be between 3 and 25 characters long, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot contain spaces. You cannot use a username that is already taken by another player, and Chess.com will tell you when ready if the name you want is unavailable.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99 each.
  • New usernames must be 3 to 25 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces.
  • You will need your password to confirm the change in your account settings.
  • After you change your username, your old username becomes available for other players to use after a short waiting period.

Step 1: Log in and open account settings

Go to Chess.com and log in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page and click it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Select Settings from this menu. You will be taken to your account settings page, which shows your profile information, notification preferences, and other account details.

Step 2: Find the username field

On the Settings page, look for the section labeled Profile or Account Information. Your current username will be displayed in a field near the top of this section. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you are on a computer or phone, but it is always in the profile area.

You may need to scroll down to see all available fields. If you do not see a username field when ready, check that you are in the Settings page and not a different section like Notifications or Privacy.

Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm your password

Click on the username field to select it, then delete your current username and type in the new one you want. As you type, Chess.com will show you whether the username is available. If you see a green checkmark, the name is free to use. If you see a red X, that username is already taken and you will need to choose a different one.

After you enter a username that is available, Chess.com will ask you to enter your password to confirm the change. Type your password in the field provided. This security step ensures that only the account owner can change the username.

Step 4: Complete the change and review the confirmation

Click the Save or Confirm button (the exact wording depends on your device). Chess.com will process the change and show you a confirmation message. Your new username is now active when ready.

Your old username will be released back into the system after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. During this time, no one else can claim it. Your rating, game history, and all other account data remain exactly the same — only your display name changes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear from your game history. Other players can still see it in past games you played together, in forum posts you made, or in any other place where it was recorded. Your new username will appear on your profile and in new games going forward.

If you change your username again in the future, you will be charged $9.99 for the second change and each change after that. The first change remains free, even if you change back to your original username later.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the Settings page does not show a username field, make sure you are logged into the correct account. Some accounts created through third-party services like Google or Facebook may have different settings layouts. Try logging out completely and logging back in, then returning to Settings.

If the username you want shows as unavailable but you believe it should be free, the account holding that name may be inactive but not yet deleted. Chess.com removes inactive accounts after a long period of no activity, but this can take months. You can try a slight variation of the name you want — for example, adding a number or underscore — or check back later to see if the original name has become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, but you will be charged $9.99 to do so, since your first change is free and any change after that costs money. If you change your mind when ready after your first change, contact Chess.com support to see if they can reverse it without charging you.

What if I forget my password when trying to change my username?

Click the Forgot Password link on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. Chess.com will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. Once you have reset your password, you can log back in and change your username.

Does changing my username affect my rating or game history?

No. Your rating, all your past games, achievements, and account history stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. Other players will see your new username on your profile and in games you play from that point forward.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere on the site?

Your new username appears on your profile and in new games when ready after you confirm the change. It may take a few minutes to update in other places like leaderboards or search results, but this is usually very fast.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

You can use hyphens and underscores, but not spaces or most other special characters. Your username must be between 3 and 25 characters long and can include letters and numbers. Chess.com will show you an error message if you try to use a character that is not allowed.